2007-'08 boys' basketball preview: Vandy Yellowjackets

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt

VANDERBILT — First-year coach Jason Mathias has been pleasantly surprised with the Vanderbilt boys basketball team during the first couple weeks of practice.

He has found he has a hard-working team with senior leadership and speed he feels could make the Yellowjackets a major player in the Northern Lakes Conference.

“I has been better than expected,” Mathias said. “Everyone is working hard and I haven’t had to say much to our senior leaders. They’ve done everything they needed to.”

Vanderbilt was already dealt a blow in the early season as one of those seniors — center Stewart Cripps — tore his ACL and will be done for the season.

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That loss will place more pressure on a team that graduated its top three scorers from last season — Sean Webber, Trevor Cottrell and Cory Runge.

There still is some experience remaining, namely with senior guard Charles Ormsbee Jr. and swingman Tony Heintz.

Ormsbee is a deadly shooter from the outside and will assume a share of ballhandling duties while Heintz has an intriguing blend of athleticism, scoring and the ability to be a defensive pest.

Another senior who did not play last season — Jeremiah Hibbler — will be expected to assume Cripps’ role. Hibbler has height, speed and athleticism. Senior Marvin Weber will also see action at both guard and forward.

Mathias said he is excited about the speed of sophomore Steve Snider, whom he said is one of the fastest players he’s seen.

A couple of juniors who split time between varsity and junior varsity last season who will also see increased roles are forward Nathan Embree and guard Roger Cole.

“I don’t see why we can’t compete with anyone in the area,” Mathias said. “We can’t replace the seniors lost, but we feel like we’ve reloaded well.”

Mathias replaces Tim O’Rourke, who turned around the Vanderbilt program during his four-year tenure. Mathias said his goal is simply to continue with the success O’Rourke laid in place.

“He instilled a lot of good qualities and a fundamental base,” he said. “We just want to build upon what he has done.”

Vanderbilt will be challenged in the Northern Lakes by talented defending champion Ellsworth as well as strong programs Mackinaw City and Boyne Falls and up-and-coming Wolverine. A wild card will be Alanson, who moved from the Ski Valley.

But Mathias believes he has the horses to compete and with his confident attitude, it’s hard to argue with him.